Delores Gibbs Rankin was born in Jefferson County, Mississippi, where she attended both elementary and high school. She has two degrees from Jackson State University: a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology (1969); and a Masters in Sociology (1980).
Rankin started working as an Eligibility Worker with the State Department of Public Welfare in 1970. Five years later, she was appointed to Social Worker until 1980. Effective July 1, 1980, she was appointed the first African-American County Director for the Jefferson County Welfare Department. She faithfully kept this position until she retired in August 2010.
During her forty years of employment, Rankin was affiliated with numerous community organizations, including the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson County Extension Services Advisory Council, Jefferson County School District Federal Programs Advisory Committee, AJFC Community Action Board of Directors, Chairperson of Jefferson County Daycare Center, Medgar Evers Home Health Advisory Board and Chapter I Parent Advisory Council.
Rankin’s dedication and professional work ethic over the years also afforded her the opportunity to work with other organizations: FHA Agricultural Council, Headstart Policy Council, Jefferson County Vo-Tech Advisory Board, Mental Health Advisory Council, Vice President of State Employees Association of Mississippi, County and Regional Directors Association, Interagency Council for Jefferson County, Southwest Development and Planning District, Jefferson Comprehensive Health Center Advisory Council, Jefferson County Economic Development County and Home Extension Services Advisory Council.
Rankin is a devoted member of Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in Fayette, Mississippi. Her church affiliations include Usher Board President, Finance Committee Chairperson, Senior Choir Treasurer, Sunday School Treasurer, United Methodist Women Treasurer, Building Fund Committee Secretary, and Adult Sunday School Teacher.
She has four children and eight grandchildren, and in her spare time, she likes to travel, shop, help others, spend time with family, and indulge in fishing. Rankin considers it an honor to have served in various positions within the Department of Human Services because by putting God first and having a great dedicated staff, she was able to assist many individuals in need.